05 Feb 2026
Historic Mount Lofty House Adults Retreat in the Adelaide Hills celebrates 40 years of hotel operations on February 12, 2026 with the Iconic 40th Escape, a curated two-night escape featuring 40 Signature Inclusions designed to indulge every sense across dining, spa and estate experiences.
Built as a summer house on Adelaide's highest summit in 1852 by Arthur and Martha Hardy who were known for their lavish parties, Mount Lofty House was destroyed in the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires.
The property was rebuilt and transformed into an eight-room luxury hotel opening on February 12, 1986 surrounded by thousands of acres of national parks.
It further expanded when the current owner, South Australian hotelier David Horbelt, acquired the property from the Accor Hotels Group in 2009 with the passionate vision to turn it into a luxury South Australian tourism icon, just 30 minutes from Adelaide International Airport.
Mr Horbelt and his business partner Malcolm Bean set about retaining the charm and character of the house built by the Hardys and creating a guest experience based on customer service excellence.
“Mount Lofty House is more than a hotel - it is a living piece of South Australian history,” Mr Horbelt said.
“From its origins in 1852, through the devastation of Ash Wednesday, to its rebirth in 1986 and its evolution into a luxury estate, this milestone celebrates not just 40 years of hospitality, but the heart, perseverance and passion of our team and community.”
“Mount Lofty House has been a labour of love for me and has become a part of many family histories having hosted hundreds of thousands of romantic celebrations from birthdays and weddings to proposals, including a couple of famous ones. I am so proud to be its current custodian.”
Mr Bean said the property had evolved into a true Luxury Experience Destination, encompassing Mount Lofty House, Hardy's Verandah Restaurant and the broader Mount Lofty Estate, redefining luxury travel in South Australia.
“Proudly South Australian family-owned and operated, Mount Lofty House continues to welcome travellers from around the world, offering an intimate retreat high above the Piccadilly Valley, where heritage, nature and contemporary luxury converge,” he said.
“This treasured state icon offers luxury escapes complemented by a three-hatted fine dining restaurant, a 175-year-old cellar with more than 1300 labels, day spa, complimentary Signature Inclusions, and beautiful outdoor spaces within the Mount Lofty Estate Gardens.”
Mount Lofty House is celebrating its anniversary with the Iconic 40th Escape, a curated two-night escape featuring 40 Signature Inclusions designed to indulge every sense across dining, spa and estate experiences including a $140 dining credit, $40 spa credit, night-time turndown treats and a late departure.
For more information go to https://www.mtloftyhouse.com.au/
ENDS
Just 20 minutes from Adelaide's CBD and 30 minutes from Adelaide International Airport, Mount Lofty House Adults retreat is a part of the Australian Bespoke Collective. The Collective includes Sequoia Lodge, the 2025 South Australian 5 Star Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner and TripAdvisor's 2025 No1 Small and Boutique Hotel in Australia and South Pacific, and The Reef House Adults Retreat in Palm Cove, the 5 Star Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner in the Queensland Tourism Awards 2025, 2024, 2023 & 2022 and in the Australian Tourism Awards 2024 & 2023.
Awards
- Australian Hotels Association Best Overall Hotel in South Australia 2025, 2024 & 2023
- TripAdvisor Best Luxury Hotel in Australia and in the South Pacific 2025 & 2023
- Australian Hotels Association Employee Excellence in Service in Australia, Christopher Speck 2024 & 2023. South Australia: 2024, 2023 & 2022
- Australian Hotels Association Best Restaurant Accommodation Division, Hardy's Verandah Restaurant 2025
- HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence Winner Hotel Restaurant, Hardy's Verandah Restaurant 2024
- Australia Good Food Guide 3-Hat, Hardy's Verandah Restaurant 2025-2019
- Australian Bridal Industry Association Winner Hotel/Resort Reception South Australia 2025-2018, Top 5 in Australia 2023 & 2024
Contact Liz Inglis at liz@lizinglismedia.com or 0419 643 494.
